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MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD
STUDY SESSION
January 21, 2020

Sunset Room
10555 N La Canada Dr.
             
STUDY SESSION AT OR AFTER 6:00 PM
             
CALL TO ORDER
  The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m.
             
ROLL CALL
Present: Philip Saletta, Member  
  Gary Temple, Vice Chair  
  Anna Clark, Member  
  Joseph Coyle, Member  
  Charles Cachoeira, Member  
  Matthew Wood, Member  
Absent: Ronald Odell, Member
Staff Present: Kristy Diaz-Trahan, Parks and Recreation Director
Attendees: Jason Kuklinski, Consultant
Amy Webb, Consultant
Teresa Pereira, Consultant
  Parks & Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan introduced new board member, Matthew Wood. Mr. Wood is a recent retiree, completed the Community Academy and was interested in Parks & Recreation, and applied for the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. Member Wood has served in other industry boards before, and shared that he is familiar with meetings. Member Clark introduced herself to member Matt Wood, and shared that she is starting her second term. Member Saletta shared that he is starting his second term, and used to be the Oro Valley Water Utility Director. Member Gary Temple introduced himself, shared that he is starting his second term. Member Charles Cachoeira introduced himself and shared that he is starting his second term as well.
             
CALL TO AUDIENCE- there was no call to the audience.
             
COUNCIL LIAISON COMMENTS
  Parks & Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan introduced our new Council Liaison, Councilwoman Joyce Jones-Ivey, and shared a little of her background.
             
STUDY SESSION AGENDA
             
NARANJA PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENT
  Parks & Recreation Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan shared that she is excited for the new Naranja Playground Project. Ms. Diaz-Trahan shared that the Town of Oro Valley selected Norris Design as the consultant after putting out a Request for Qualifications bid. Ms. Diaz-Trahan informed the board that Norris Design will be tabling at the Second Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch event. Ms. Diaz-Trahan also shared that the Naranja Park project will be moving at a rapid pace, with the project completion date being this summer. Ms. Diaz-Trahan introduced the consultant, Jason Kuklinski.

Mr. Kuklinski introduced his team members: Amy Webb. Teresa Pereira, and Chris Steve (who was not present) and shared the following:

Mr. Kuklinski is a University of Arizona graduate, and specializes in Landscape Architect. Mr. Kuklinski informed the Board that his company learned how the existing topography may affect the playground, and how they will implement the topography into the playground structure, as this is a very popular trend at the moment. Mr. Kuklinski shared that he and his team conducted a case-study of different parks throughout the country, and compiled the most popular elements from those parks, such as: multi-generational, inclusive, accessibility, quiet and natural play. Mr. Kuklinski shared that an implementation of playable landmarks where citizens can pose for pictures and play on is also something that can be added to this project.

Mr. Kuklinski shared that different floor textures allows for safe play.

Norris Design met with the Town of Oro Valley Parks & Recreation Department, and compiled different ideas of what is needed at the Park, such as ramadas. 

The design program and considerations that were compiled of during the aforementioned meeting. Mr. Kuklinski shared that the theme of the design is to include all.

Teresa Pereira introduced the "Go With the Flow" concept that appears to flow like a river. Ms. Pereira shared that the southern areas of the park would begin with play structures for the younger crowd, and then will flow to the older population as you migrate north to the park. The first concept that was introduced to the board was Concept One Go with the Flow: An Angular Experience. Ms. Pereira shared that the angular layout that allows for creative play, and has multiple access points with many shade structures and lawn areas. Mr. Kuklinski shared that they are calling the southern play place the Promenade, as it is the area where parents can watch their younger and older kids. Ms. Pereira shared that they are keeping inclusivity in mind throughout the design.

Mr. Kuklinski shared that this is also the walk way to the playing fields, and want to use topography to enclose the younger kids from the parking lot.

Ms. Pereira shared that the northern part of the park will have ramps, climbing features and integrating a zip-line that even adults can enjoy. Mr. Kuklinski shared that they are trying to keep the natural slope in mind to use as play, as this is around 8-feet tall.
Concept Two Go with the Flow: An Elliptical Experience, also has a flow that is configured in a more elliptical way. This design also keeps the natural slope in mind. This design has a path that directs you to the sports field. The younger-aged space has a feature that incorporates quiet and imaginative play.

Mr. Kuklinski shared that the park designs encompasses multi-generational, inclusivity and imaginative play, as well as trending features.

Ms. Pereira added that Concept Two gives you the advantage to view the playground space and the field.

Ms. Diaz-Trahan shared that the consultant brought boards with each design for a more detailed view. Ms. Diaz-Trahan shared that due to this being a public meeting as well, no inter-board member conversations are allowed.

Member Saletta asked Ms. Diaz-Trahan if this project is separate from the Master Plan. Ms. Diaz-Trahan replied yes.

Ms. Diaz-Trahan introduced Vice-Mayor Melanie Barrett, who was present at the meeting.

Mr. Kuklinski explained the designs to the board members, and explained how Concept Two has a natural flow. Ms. Pereira explained that Concept One has an angular design that allows for the flow of the multi-generational flow.

Vice Chair Temple asked if there is a capacity for people; Mr. Kuklinski stated that he does not have an answer at the moment for metrics in play area. Mr. Kuklinski shared that the playground area is 1.5 acres. Amy Webb stated that each playground equipment has its own capacity.

Member Cachoeira asked if a splash pad is out of this scope. Ms. Diaz-Trahan shared that a splash-pad is out of the scope at the moment, however, there is space available if one is wanted in the future at a lower cost. Member Cachoeira asked if that decision was made because there is no demand or no budget. Ms. Diaz-Trahan stated that this is a decision made due to budget.

Member Saletta reiterated Member Clark's question, and asked if the ramadas are going to be placed or not. Member Saletta also asked what the heat capacity is. Mr. Kuklinski shared that there will be moments throughout the summer where all the equipment is going to be very hot. Mr. Kuklinski shared that they are going to add as much shade as possible.

Member Joseph Coyle asked if there are any elements that are unfunded. Ms. Diaz-Trahan stated that there is no unmarked funds for this fiscal year, however, there might be one for maintenance next fiscal year with a half full time employee.

Ms. Diaz-Trahan shared that maintenance is already in place with other parks.

Member Coyle asked if the ongoing maintenance for the equipment might be what is expensive. Member Coyle asked if Ms. Diaz-Trahan has set aside some money from her budget for equipment repair. Ms. Diaz-Trahan shared that the majority of the equipment has a warranty that lasts for around 15 years. Member Coyle also asked if there are any restrictions to allow for fencing for the kids; Mr. Kuklinski shared that adding a fence somewhat gives an enclosed feeling. Mr. Kuklinski stated that the natural elements in terms of vegetation and topography will allow that enclosure.

Member Saletta asked if there will be any trials or access from the park to the neighborhoods. Ms. Diaz-Trahan stated that there are already some trails in place that are located on the west-side, from Copper Creek side. Ms. Diaz-Trahan stated that the most difficult way to enter the park is actually from Naranja, as there is no actual path.

Member Cachoeira asked if the restroom capacity is sufficient. Ms. Diaz-Trahan stated that for the time being, the restroom capacity is actually more than needed, however, as they move north, more restrooms will be needed.

Ms. Anna Clark asked how the soccer families will prevent the blockage from the park. Ms. Diaz-Trahan stated that the soccer families will continue to use the parking lot, and more parking lot space will be added.

Mr. Kuklinski shared that adding parking to a park is always a challenge because of space and money management.

Member Cachoeira asked about the electrical panel installation. Ms. Diaz-Trahan shared that the ball is currently in TEP's court.

Member Saletta asked how the grass will be water. Ms. DIAZ-TRAHAN stated that it will be watered with potable water. Member Saletta asked for clarification on the green nodes. Mr. Kuklinski shared that the green nodes are trees. Ms. DIAZ-TRAHAN shared that the trees are also used for shades.

Member Cachoeira asked about the barbeque grills. Mr. Kuklinski shared that they will be added close to the ramadas.

Mr. Kuklinski shared that they will compile all the ideas and can make some adjustments so that this can this be out for public comments.

Ms. Diaz-Trahan asked the board to gather their ideas and then email them to Ms. Diaz-Trahan so that she can then share to Jason.

Member Cachoeira asked what the upcoming meeting, being held on Thursday is about. Ms. Diaz-Trahan stated that the meeting is for the Master Plan presentation.

Ms. Diaz-Trahan shared that the website that is dedicated to this project has received over 430 comments, surpassing the average amount of comments received.

Member Coyle asked if this information will be shared at Thursday's meeting and Ms. Diaz-Trahan said this has nothing to do with this.

Ms. Diaz-Trahan said that she will provide a report of this for the next PRAB meeting.

Member Saletta asked that this be on the next agenda so that a timeline can be given to the board. Ms. Diaz-Trahan said that it is exciting to see that the project is one step closer.

Member Coyle asked who will be picking the trees. Ms. Diaz-Trahan said that the Parks Superintendent will inform the consultant of what trees will work best for what is needed at the park.

Mr. Kuklinski stated that they strive to use plants that will work for each location.
             
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
  Member Saletta asked to have Naranja Park Improvement Project.
Member Cachoeira requested that Discussion on Archery Requests and Concerns be on the agenda.
             
ADJOURNMENT
             
  Motion by Vice Chair Gary Temple, Second by Member Matthew Wood to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 p.m.

  Vote: 6 - 0 Carried
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the special session of the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the 21st of January, 2020.  I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.

Dated this 18th day of November 2020.


_______________________________________
Maritza Valenzuela/MaryAnne Tolmie
Senior Office Specialist

    

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